Trench shoring apparatuses and methods

ABSTRACT

Trench shoring apparatuses including an arm connected to a connector and extending to a first end substantially toward the ground, a strut attached to the first end of the arm, the strut including a first strut arm and a second strut arm and configured to drive and retract a first shoring plate connected to a first strut arm proximate a first lateral trench wall and a second shoring plate connected to a second strut arm proximate a second lateral trench wall. In some examples, the trench shoring apparatuses include a connector configured to detachably connect to a coupler of a piece of construction equipment. In other examples, the trench shoring apparatuses include plate extenders that extend and retract along the length of a longitudinally extending trench. In yet other examples, the trench shoring apparatuses may include detachable braces used to provide additional shoring support to the shoring plates.

This application claims the benefit of copending U.S. Application, Ser.No. 61/353,148, filed on Jun. 9, 2010, and copending U.S. application,Ser. No. 13/013,636, filed on Jan. 25, 2011, which are herebyincorporated by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to trench shoring apparatuses.In particular, this disclosure relates to mobile trench shoringapparatuses and/or trench shoring apparatuses that shore trenches with areduced need for the user to enter the trench. Additionally, thisdisclosure relates to remotely operable trench shoring apparatuses. Thisdisclosure additionally relates to methods of shoring trenches thatreduce the need for user entry in the trench during shoring.

Known trench shoring apparatuses and methods are not entirelysatisfactory for the range of applications in which they are employed.Specifically, existing trench shoring apparatuses and methods may beslow and may create life threatening safety hazards. Specifically,conventional trench shoring apparatuses are often very difficult to moveand to install along the length of a trench. Additionally, conventionaltrench shoring apparatuses and methods often require the user to enterthe trench during shoring, which may be potentially life threatening ifthe trench walls cave in during shoring.

Thus, there exists a need for trench shoring apparatuses that improveupon and advance the design of known trench shoring apparatuses.Specifically, there exists a need for trench shoring apparatuses withgreater mobility and the ability to be operated from outside the trenchbeing shored.

SUMMARY

A self-propelled trench shoring apparatus for shoring longitudinallyextending trenches formed in the ground and defined by a first lateraltrench wall and a second lateral trench wall opposite the first lateraltrench wall, including a frame with a first lateral member, a secondlateral member spaced from the first lateral member, the second lateralmember extending substantially parallel to the first lateral member, aconnecting member extending between the first lateral member and thesecond lateral member, a first support member projecting from the firstlateral member toward the ground to a first support end on a firstlateral side of the trench, and a second support member projecting fromthe second lateral member toward the ground to a second support end on asecond lateral side of the trench opposite the first lateral side. Insome examples, the self-propelled trench shoring apparatus additionallyincludes a ram assembly attached to the frame, including a telescopingarm including a first end proximate the frame and a second end oppositethe first end, the telescoping ram arm extending between a retractedposition and an extended position and a strut attached to the second endof the telescoping arm and including a first end proximate the firstlateral trench wall and a second end opposite the first end, the strutincluding a strut extender configured to selectively extend and retractlaterally across the longitudinally extending trench.

In some examples, the self-propelled trench shoring apparatus alsoincludes a first plate coupler attached to the first end of the strutand configured to couple with a shoring plate and a second plate couplerattached to the second end of the strut and configured to couple with ashoring plate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first example of a trench shoringapparatus positioned over a longitudinally extending trench.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the trench shoring apparatus shownin FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top-down view of the trench shoring apparatus illustrated inFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the trench shoring apparatusillustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the trench shoring apparatus of FIG.1 positioned over a trench, with the telescoping ram arm extended suchthat a strut and shoring panels are substantially within the trench.

FIG. 6 is a side elevation close up view of a track of the trenchshoring apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1, with phantom lines of the trackrotated to an alternative position.

FIG. 7 is a side elevation close up view of a track of the trenchshoring apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second example of a trench shoringapparatus over a trench, the trench shoring apparatus including two ramassemblies attached to connecting members.

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the trench shoring apparatus shown inFIG. 7 depicting a strut extending and retracting.

FIG. 10 illustrates a close up elevation view of a first shoring plateconnected to a second shoring plate.

FIG. 10 illustrates a close up elevation view of a first shoring plateconfigured to vertically couple with a third shoring plate.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a third example of a trench shoringapparatus.

FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of the trench shoring apparatus shownin FIG. 11 depicting a strut extending and retracting.

FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of the trench shoring apparatus shownin FIG. 11 depicting construction equipment detaching from the trenchshoring apparatus.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a fourth example of a trench shoringapparatus.

FIG. 15 is a front view of a shoring plate of the trench shoringapparatus shown in FIG. 14 depicting panels sliding to extendedpositions beyond the edges of the shoring plate.

FIG. 16 is a side elevation view of two shoring plates of the trenchshoring apparatus shown in FIG. 14 depicting a pair of braces supportingthe shoring plates separated by a first width and separated by a secondwidth greater than the first width.

FIG. 17 is a top view of two shoring plates and four braces of thetrench shoring apparatus shown in FIG. 14 depicting panels sliding toextended positions beyond the edges of the shoring plates.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed trench shoring apparatuses and methods will become betterunderstood through review of the following detailed description inconjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figuresprovide merely examples of the various inventions described herein.Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed examples maybe varied, modified, and altered without departing from the scope of theinventions described herein. Many variations are contemplated fordifferent applications and design considerations; however, for the sakeof brevity, each and every contemplated variation is not individuallydescribed in the following detailed description.

Throughout the following detailed description, a variety of trenchshoring apparatus examples are provided. Related features in theexamples may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples.For the sake of brevity, related features will not be redundantlyexplained in each example. Instead, the use of related feature nameswill cue the reader that the feature with a related feature name may besimilar to the related feature in an example explained previously.Features specific to a given example will be described in thatparticular example. The reader should understand that a given featureneed not be the same or similar to the specific portrayal of a relatedfeature in any given figure or example.

This document may refer to certain features as included in collectionsand/or groups. For example, certain features may be described as beingincluded in groups such as “electrical components” or “structuralcomponents.” These collections are merely included for the sake ofclarity and are not to be read into the substance of the underlyingelements in any way.

The titles of such groups and/or collections, e.g. “electrical” and“structural” of the previous example, are merely illustrative, have nobearing on the substance of the underlying elements, and are not limitedto elements that are generally understood to fall under the generictitle of the collection. As an example, “electrical components” mayinclude structural and other non-electrical components. Features in acollection may be read to have electrical and non-electricalcharacteristics should not be limited to the electrical characteristics.

As discussed above, FIGS. 1-7 illustrate a first example of a trenchshoring apparatus 100 for shoring longitudinally extending trenchesformed in the ground and defined by a first lateral trench wall and asecond lateral trench wall opposite the first lateral trench wall. Asshown in FIGS. 1-7, trench shoring apparatus 100 includes a frame 107, afirst ram assembly 170, a second ram assembly 185 an onboard controlunit 101, a plurality of drive units 102, a power unit 103, and remotecontrol unit 104, a first shoring plate 181 and a second shoring plate183. Trench shoring apparatus 100 is configured to move alonglongitudinally extending trenches and selectively raise and lower astrut with selectively coupled shoring panels to a shoring positionwithin the trench's walls.

Trench shoring apparatus 100 is additionally configured to telescopelaterally to accommodate trenches of varying widths. Trench shoringapparatus 100 additionally includes individually telescoping members toaccommodate uneven ground and/or adjust trench shoring apparatus 100'sheight relative the trench. Trench shoring apparatus 100 is configuredfor user control from a position spaced from the apparatus.Additionally, trench shoring apparatus 100 includes a collection oftracks each rotating and pivoting independent of the other tracks at thebottom of the support members to accommodate varying terrain.

Frame 107 includes a first lateral member 108, a second lateral member109, a first connecting member 110, second connecting member 124, afirst support member 130, a second support member 140, a third supportmember 150, and a fourth support member 160.

As FIGS. 1-5 illustrate, second lateral member 109 is spaced from andextends substantially parallel to first lateral member 108. First andsecond lateral members extend longitudinally relative the trench when inuse over a trench.

As shown in FIGS. 1-5, first connecting member 110 extends between firstlateral member 108 and second lateral member 109. First connectingmember 110 includes a sleeve member 111, a first nested member 112, asecond nested member 113, a first cylinder 114, and a second cylinder115.

First nested member 112 is attached to first lateral member 108 on afirst end and extends laterally towards second lateral member 109 on anopposite end.

Second nested member 113 is connected on a first end to second lateralmember 109 and extends laterally towards first lateral member 108 on anopposite end. Second nested member 113 is substantially aligned withfirst nested member 112.

Sleeve member 111 is positioned between first lateral member 108 andsecond lateral member 109 and is substantially aligned with first nestedmember 112 and second nested member 113. Sleeve member 111 includes afirst opening on a first side and a second opening on its opposite side.Sleeve member 111 is configured to internally receive first nestedmember 112 through the first opening and to internally receive secondnested member 113 through the second opening.

First cylinder 114 is positioned within sleeve member 111 and isdrivingly connected to the nested end of first nested member 112. Firstcylinder 114 defines a hydraulic cylinder configured to extend firstnested member 112 beyond sleeve member 111. When cylinder 114 is fullyretracted, first nested member 112 is fully nested within sleeve member111. In some examples, the first nested member is partially nestedwithin the sleeve member when the cylinder is fully retracted.

Second cylinder 115 is positioned within sleeve member 111 and isdrivingly connected to the nested end of second nested member 113.second cylinder 115 defines a hydraulic cylinder configured to extendsecond nested member 113 beyond sleeve member 111. When second cylinder115 is fully retracted, second nested member 113 is substantially fullynested within sleeve member 111.

First cylinder 114 and second cylinder 115 are configured to functioncooperatively or individually to telescopically adjust first connectingmember 110's length.

Second connecting member 124 extends between first lateral member 108and second lateral member 109. Second connecting member 124 includes asleeve member 125, a first nested member 126, a second nested member127, a first cylinder 128, and a second cylinder 129, which sharesubstantially similar designs and functions with sleeve member 111,first nested member 112, second nested member 113, first cylinder 114,and second cylinder 115, respectively. Sub-elements of first connectingmember 110 and second connecting member 124 interact in a substantiallysimilar manner as well.

First cylinder 114 and first cylinder 128 are cooperatively configuredto extend their corresponding nested members beyond the sleeve member inwhich they are contained. Specifically, they are configured to retractcorresponding nested members to a position where they are substantiallyfully retracted within their corresponding sleeve member to a positionwhere the nested member is extends beyond the sleeve member. Secondcylinder 115 and second cylinder 129 are configured to similarlycooperate.

This telescopic cooperation allows first connecting member 110 andsecond connecting member 124 to telescope laterally in either directionrelative the longitudinally extending trench. Stated another way, thisallows adjustment of the lateral position of first lateral member 108and second lateral member 109. This lateral adjustability of firstlateral member 108 and second lateral member 109 is depicted usingphantom lines in FIG. 3.

As FIG. 1 illustrates, first support member 130 projects from a firstend of first lateral member 108 toward the ground to a support end 131on a first lateral side of the trench. First support member 130 includesa sleeve member 132, a nested member 134, and a cylinder 135. Firstsupport member 130 additionally includes a panel support member 139.

Sleeve member 132 is connected on a first end to first lateral member108 and defines a sieve opening 133 on the opposite end. Nested member134 is mounts within sleeve member 132 on a first end and extendsdownward to support end 131 on the opposite end.

Cylinder 135 is positioned within sleeve member 132 and is drivinglyconnected to the nested end of nested member 134. Cylinder 135 defines ahydraulic cylinder configured to extend nested member 134 beyond sleevemember 132. When cylinder 135 is fully retracted, nested member 134 issubstantially fully nested within sleeve member 132. Cylinder 135 isconfigured to allow telescopic adjustment of the length of first supportmember 130.

Panel support member 139 defines a member projecting from first supportmember 130 to the interior of frame 107, the member defining an upwardfacing slot. Panel support member 139 is sized to receive a shoringpanel within its slot.

Turning attention to FIGS. 6 and 7, first support member 130additionally includes a track bearing 136 attached at support end 131and a track 138 pivotally and rotationally connected to track bearing136. FIG. 6 shows track 138 rotated to a rotated position in phantomlines. FIG. 7 shows track 138 pivoted to a pivoted position in phantomlines. In the example illustrated, track 138 may pivot and rotate 360°.In other examples, the track may rotate 270°, 180°, 90°, or some otherangle between 0° and 360°.

Second support member 140 projects from a first end of second lateralmember 109 toward the ground on a second lateral side of the trenchopposite the first lateral side. Aside from being attached to secondlateral member 109 rather than to first lateral member 108, secondsupport member 140 is substantially similar in design to first supportmember 130. Specifically, second support member 140 includes a supportend 141, a sleeve member 142, a nested member 144, a cylinder 145, trackbearing 146, track 148, and a panel support member 149, eachsubstantially similar to the corresponding elements of first supportmember 130.

As FIG. 1 illustrates, third support member 150 projects from a secondend of first lateral member 108 opposite the first end toward the groundon the first lateral side of the trench. Aside from being attached tofirst lateral member 108 in a different location than first supportmember 130, third support member 150 otherwise shares a substantiallysimilar design with first support member 130. Specifically, thirdsupport member 150 includes a support end 151, a nested member 154, asleeve member 152, a cylinder 155, track bearing 156, track 158, andpanel support member 159, each substantially similar to thecorresponding elements of first support member 130.

Fourth support member 160 projects from a second end of second lateralmember 109 opposite the first end toward the ground on the secondlateral side of the trench. Aside from being attached to second lateralmember 109 in a position different than second support member 140,fourth support member 160 otherwise shares a substantially similardesign with second support member 140. Specifically, fourth supportmember 160 includes a support end 161, a sleeve member 162, a nestedmember 164, a cylinder 165, track bearing 166, track 168, and panelsupport member 169, each substantially similar to the correspondingelements of first support member 130.

Cylinder 135, cylinder 145, cylinder 155, and cylinder 165 areconfigured to operate either in concert or individually to adjust thelength of the support members. When acting in concert, cylinder 135,cylinder 145, cylinder 155, and cylinder 165 cooperatively operate toraise and lower the level of the frame. When acting individually,cylinder 135, cylinder 145, cylinder 155, and cylinder 165 operate toadjust the length of the respective support members to provide improvedsupport on uneven ground. FIG. 4 depicts in phantom lines track 138first support member 130 extended by cylinder 135 (shown in FIG. 1) afirst distance and track 148 and second support member 140 extended bycylinder 145 (shown in FIG. 1) a second distance greater than the firstdistance.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 4, and 5, panel support member 139 and panelsupport member 159 extend in substantially the same direction and panelsupport member 149 and panel support member 169 extend in substantiallythe opposite direction. Panel support member 139 and panel supportmember 159 are configured to cooperatively support a trench shoringplate in slots defined in the panel support members. The panel supportmembers support the plates along the interior side of first supportmember 130 and third support member 150. Likewise, panel support member149 and panel support member 169 cooperatively support a trench shoringplate in slots along the interior side of second support member 140 andfourth support member 160.

First ram assembly 170 includes a telescoping arm 171, a strut 175, afirst strut extender 177, a second strut extender 199, a first platecoupler 178, a second plate coupler 179, a third plate coupler 197, anda fourth plate coupler 198.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 4, and 5, first ram assembly 170 extendstowards the ground substantially near the center of first connectingmember 110. First ram assembly 170 includes telescoping arm 171projecting from first connecting member 110 towards the ground and strut175 connected on the end of telescoping arm 171 opposite firstconnecting member 110.

Telescoping arm 171 is connected on a first end to first connectingmember 110 and extends downward towards to a second end connected tostrut 175. Telescoping arm 171 includes a sleeve member 172, a nestedmember 173, and cylinder 175. Telescoping arm 171 is generallyconfigured to extend and retract longitudinally, thereby adjusting thevertical position of strut 175.

Sleeve member 172 is connected on a first end to first connecting member110 and defines an opening on the opposite side. Nested member 173 isrouted through the opening on a first end and extends verticallydownward from sleeve member 172 to a lower end.

Cylinder 175 defines a hydraulic cylinder positioned within sleevemember 172 and is drivingly connected to the first end of nested member173. Cylinder 175 is configured to extend nested member 173 beyondsleeve member 172, thereby adjusting the length of telescoping arm 171.

As FIGS. 1-5 illustrate, strut 175 is attached to the lower end oftelescoping arm 171. Strut 175 includes first strut extender 177, secondstrut extender 199, first plate coupler 178, second plate coupler 179,third plate coupler 197, and fourth plate coupler 198. Strut 175 isgenerally configured to brace shoring plates as the shoring plates shoretrench walls and to laterally move the shoring plates.

First strut extender 177 and second strut extender 199 each include apair of hydraulic cylinders mounted within strut 175. The hydrauliccylinders define a first strut cylinder directed towards the firstlateral trench wall and a second strut cylinder directed in the oppositedirection as the first strut cylinder. First strut extender 177 andsecond strut extender 199 are each additionally configured to extend andretract the strut in both lateral directions relative the longitudinaltrench.

First plate coupler 178 is drivingly connected to the first strutcylinder of first strut extender 177 and second plate coupler 179 isdrivingly connected to the second strut cylinder of the second strutextender 199. First plate coupler 178 is configured to extend towardsthe first lateral trench wall as first strut extender 177 extends,whereas second plate coupler 179 is configured to extend to the oppositetrench wall.

First plate coupler 178 is configured to magnetically couple with firstshoring plate 181 and second plate coupler 179 is configured tomagnetically couple with second shoring plate 183. However, in otherexamples the plate couplers mechanically couple to the shoring plates.

Magnetic coupling enables the plate couplers to selectively couple tothe shoring plate. Magnetic coupling facilitates selective coupling tothe shoring plates without manual intervention. Indeed, a user caninstruct the plate couplers to selectively couple with the shoringplates from a remote position.

First ram assembly 170 also includes third plate coupler 197 drivinglyconnected to the first strut cylinder of second strut extender 199 andfourth plate coupler 198 drivingly connected to the second strutcylinder of second strut extender 199. Third plate coupler 197 isconfigured to extend towards the first lateral trench wall as secondstrut extender 199 extends, whereas fourth plate coupler 198 isconfigured to extend to the opposite trench wall. Third plate coupler197 is configured to magnetically couple with first shoring plate 181and fourth plate coupler 198 is configured to magnetically couple withsecond shoring plate 183. In other examples, the plate couplers employmechanical coupling mechanisms.

First shoring plate 181 is a rigid member formed from a magneticallyattractable material. First shoring plate 181 includes a protection andrecess complimenting the slots defined in storage panel support member139 and panel support member 159. First shoring plate 181 is anotherwise generally understood shoring panel.

Second shoring plate 183 is configured to be magnetically attached tosecond plate coupler 179 and fourth plate coupler 198 and/or stored inthe slots of panel support member 149 and panel support member 169.First shoring plate 181 is an otherwise generally understood shoringpanel.

The first shoring plate 181's projection and recess allow first shoringplate 181 to intermesh with an adjacent lower showing plate. Using twovertically plates shores a greater surface area of trench walls than asingle shoring plate would allow.

Second ram assembly 185 includes a telescoping arm 186, a strut 190, afirst strut extender 191, a second strut extender 192, a first platecoupler 193, a second plate coupler 194, a third plate coupler 195, anda fourth plate coupler 196.

Second ram assembly 185 connects to second connecting member 124 nearthe center of second connecting member 124. Second ram assembly 185includes telescoping arm 186, strut 190, first strut extender 191,second strut extender 192, first plate coupler 193, second plate coupler194, third plate coupler 195, and fourth plate coupler 196. Each of theelements of second ram assembly 185 are substantially similar instructure and function to the corresponding elements of first ramassembly 170.

Specifically, first plate coupler 193 and third plate coupler 195 areconfigured to selectively magnetically couple with first shoring plate181 on the lateral side of first shoring plate 181 opposite first platecoupler 178. Second plate coupler 194 and fourth plate coupler 196 areconfigured to selectively magnetically couple with second shoring plate183 on the lateral side opposite second plate coupler 179. Thislaterally spaced plate coupler design allows first ram assembly 170 andsecond ram assembly 185 to provide substantially even force to firstshoring plate 181 and second shoring plate 183.

Onboard control unit 101 is operationally connected to the frame, theram assemblies, and the drive units 102. Onboard control unit 101 isconfigured to control the features to which it is operatively connected.Specifically, onboard control unit 101 is configured to control when andhow the connecting members, the support members, and the telescoping armextend and retract. Additionally, onboard control unit 101 controls whenand how strut 175 retracts, the plate couplers selectively couple to anddecouple from shoring plates, and drive units 102 independently driveeach track.

Drive units 102 are drivingly connected to each the tracks and areconfigured to independently drive each track. As previously mentioned,drive units 102 are operationally connected to and controlled by onboardcontrol unit 101.

Remote control unit 104 includes a user interface 105 and is in electriccommunication with onboard control unit 101 via a communicationinterface 106. User interface 105 defines a control panel configured toreceive user input data from a user.

Communication interface 106 is configured to receive the user input datafrom the user interface 105 and communicate the user input data toonboard control unit 101. Onboard control unit 101 is configured toreceive and implement the user input data for controlling trench shoringapparatus 100.

Trench shoring apparatus 100 additionally includes a power unit 103attached to frame 107. Power unit 103 is operationally connected toonboard control unit 101, and is configured to generate the energynecessary to control and operate onboard control unit 101's connectedelements. Power unit 103 is an internal combustion engine. However, inother examples the power unit is an electric motor or a fuel cell.

Although plate couplers are discussed as specifically implementing amagnetic means for coupling to first shoring plate 181 and secondshoring plate 183, respectively, other means are equally within thisdisclosure, including the use of static complimentary support members orother electromagnetic and/or mechanical coupling means.

Cylinders in this disclosure have primarily been referred to ashydraulic cylinders, which are powered by a pressurized hydraulic fluid.However, cylinders are not so limited, and cylinders according to thisdisclosure may include any generally understood means of applying aunidirectional force. Specific other examples of means for applying anequivalent unidirectional force may include, but are not limited to,pneumatic and screw-type mechanical actuators, as well as electric ormagnetic implements that may be used to serve the same purpose.

By the same token, first strut extender 177 was discussed above asspecifically defining two opposing hydraulic cylinders. However, strutextenders may implement any understood selectively extending andretracting member capable of applying a bidirectional force sufficientto shore a trench wall. For example, both automatic and manualselectively extending and retracting strut extenders may be used.

FIG. 1 illustrates communication interface 106 defining a wiredconnection. However, this is not required, and wireless communicationinterfaces are equally within this disclosure. Such wirelesscommunication interfaces may include, but is not limited to, infrared,radio, and wireless networking protocols.

Turning attention to FIGS. 8-10, a second example of a trench shoringapparatus 200 for shoring longitudinally extending trenches formed inthe ground and defined by a first lateral trench wall and a secondlateral trench wall opposite the first lateral trench wall will now bedescribed. Specifically, trench shoring apparatus 200 serves an exampleof a trench shoring apparatus in which multiple shoring plates may beused in a vertical arrangement. Trench shoring apparatus 200 includesmany similar or identical features to trench shoring apparatus 100combined in unique and distinct ways. Thus, for the sake of brevity,each feature of trench shoring apparatus 200 will not be redundantlyexplained. Rather, key distinctions between trench shoring apparatus 100and trench shoring apparatus 200 will be described in detail and thereader should reference the discussion above for features substantiallysimilar between the two trench shoring apparatuses.

As FIG. 8-10 show, trench shoring apparatus 200 includes a frame 207,including a first lateral member 208, a second lateral member 209, afirst connecting member 211, a second connecting member 216, a thirdconnecting member 224, a fourth connecting member 225, a first supportmember 230, a second support member 240, a third support member 250, anda fourth support member 260.

Trench shoring apparatus 200 additionally includes a first ram assembly270, a second ram assembly 275, a third ram assembly 280, and a fourthram assembly 290. Trench shoring apparatus 200 also includes a firstshoring plate 281, a second shoring plate 284, a third shoring plate291, and a fourth shoring plate 294.

Many elements of frame 207 are substantially the same as thecorresponding elements of frame 107. A difference between frame 207 andframe 107 is two additional connecting members extending between thelateral members, second connecting member 216 and third connectingmember 224. Second connecting member 216 and third connecting member 224are otherwise substantially similar to other the other disclosedconnecting members. As illustrated, first connecting member 211 andfourth connecting member 225 have essentially the same position relativeframe 207 that first connecting member 110 and second connecting member124 have relative frame 107.

As FIG. 8 shows, trench shoring apparatus 200 includes four ramassemblies, each of which is similar in design and function to first ramassembly 170.

First connecting member 211 supports first ram assembly 270substantially near its center, and fourth connecting member 225 supportssecond ram assembly 275 substantially near its center. First ramassembly 270 and second ram assembly 275 are configured to couple withfirst shoring plate 281 and second shoring plate 284 in a similar mannerto first ram assembly 170 and second ram assembly 185.

A difference between trench shoring apparatus 200 and trench shoringapparatus 100, however, lies in third ram assembly 280 connectedsubstantially near the center of third connecting member 224 and fourthram assembly 290 substantially near the center of fourth connectingmember 225. Third ram assembly 280 and fourth ram assembly 290 areconfigured to selectively telescope and are configured to couple withthird shoring plate 291 and fourth shoring plate 294, respectively, insimilar manner to first ram assembly 170's and second ram assembly 275'scoupling with first shoring plate 281 and second shoring plate 284.

Including four ram assemblies, each on various connecting members,allows trench shoring apparatus 200 to separately telescopically adjustand shore two shoring plates. Specifically, first ram assembly 270 andsecond ram assembly 275 are configured to cooperatively telescoperelative first connecting member 211 and fourth connecting member 225,respectively, and third ram assembly 280 and fourth ram assembly 290 areconfigured to cooperatively telescope relative second connecting member216 and third connecting member 224, respectively.

First shoring plate 281 and third shoring plate 291 are substantiallysimilar to first shoring plate 181. As FIG. 10 illustrates, firstshoring plate 281 includes a first intermeshing member at its topdefining a projection 282 on a first lateral side of the top of thefirst shoring plate. Laterally adjacent projection 282 is a firstrecessed area 283 on a second lateral side of the top of the firstshoring plate complimentary to the first portion. Third shoring plate291 includes a second projection 285 on a second lateral side of thirdshoring plate 291 opposite the first lateral side of first shoring plate281. Second projection 285 substantially aligned with first recessedarea 283 and a second recessed area 286 is substantially aligned withprojection 282.

Second shoring plate 284 and fourth shoring plate 294 are substantiallysimilar to second shoring plate 183. However, second shoring plate 284and fourth shoring plate 294 include complimentary projections andrecesses similar to first shoring plate 281 and third shoring plate 291.

The complimentary projections and recesses allow vertically alignedshoring plates to substantially intermesh when collectively shoring atrench wall. This intermeshed four plate design allows trench shoringapparatus 200 to shore a greater amount of trench wall area than thedual plate design of trench shoring apparatus 100. Additionally, theintermeshing allows a more even distribution of force against the trenchwall than a non-intermeshed four plate design would accommodate.

Turning attention to FIGS. 11-13, a third example of a trench shoringapparatus, trench shoring apparatus 300 will now be described. Trenchshoring apparatus 300 includes a connector 310, an arm 320, a strut 325,a first shoring plate 345, and a second shoring plate 350. Trenchshoring apparatus 300 is configured to shore longitudinally extendingtrenches, such as longitudinally extending trench 301 formed in theground and defined by a first lateral trench wall 302 and a secondlateral trench wall 303 opposite first lateral trench wall 302.

Trench shoring apparatus 300 is configured to detachably connect toexternal operating equipment, such as construction equipment 305.Construction equipment 305 includes a coupler 306 and an auxiliaryhydraulic line 307 configured to power and control connectedaccessories. Compatibility with coupler 306 allows trench shoringapparatus 300 to be transported and/or implemented by common moveableequipment, such as excavators, cranes, or other common constructionequipment.

Some differences between trench shoring apparatus 300 and trench shoringapparatus 100 are seen in trench shoring apparatus 300's lack of anattached frame, power unit, or drive unit. The accessory or attachmentnature of trench shoring apparatus 300 may provide a user with costsavings and convenience over using a discrete unit such as trenchshoring apparatus 100. Specifically, trench shoring apparatus 300'sadaptability to external equipment allows a user to easily augmentexisting equipment with trench shoring functionality.

As FIGS. 11-13 illustrates, trench shoring apparatus 300 includesconnector 310 configured to detachably connect to coupler 306. Coupler306 defines the equipment side of a quick coupling system currentlyunderstood in the art. Connector 310 is configured to couple withcoupler 306 to support and maneuver trench shoring apparatus 300 withconstruction equipment 305. Connector 310 is configured to providehydraulic power to drive trench shoring apparatus 300's mechanicalelements by hydraulically connecting trench shoring apparatus 300 tohydraulic lines of construction equipment 305. Connectors may beconfigured to couple with understood quick coupler systems.

Further detailing the hydraulic connection capabilities of trenchshoring apparatus 300, coupler 306 includes a hydraulic input 312configured to receive auxiliary hydraulic line 307. By connecting toauxiliary hydraulic line 307, trench shoring apparatus 300 is configuredto connect to construction equipment 305's hydraulic system. This allowsconstruction equipment 305 to control and/or power any hydraulicallypowered elements of trench shoring apparatus 300, such as strut 325. Theexample shown in FIG. 11 shows a coupler 306 with a single hydraulicinput 312; however, couplers may include multiple hydraulic inputsconfigured to couple with construction equipment that includes multipleauxiliary hydraulic lines. FIG. 13 depicts further details of theconnector and couple attachment mechanism, showing a detached coupler insolid lines and an attached coupler in dashed lines.

Trench shoring apparatus 300 includes arm 320 connected to connector 310that extends substantially toward the ground to an arm end 322. Arm 320defines a substantially rigid body designed to space strut 325 fromconnector 310. This spacing allows an operator to use constructionequipment 305 to maneuver trench shoring apparatus 300 substantiallywithin longitudinally extending trench 301.

Strut 325 is attached to arm end 322 such that strut 325 may bepositioned within longitudinally extending trench 301 when connector 310is positioned above longitudinally extending trench 301. Strut 325includes a first strut arm 335, a second strut arm 340, a strut housing326, a first strut extender 331 and a second strut extender 333.

Strut 325 is configured to extend and retract first strut arm 335 andsecond strut arm 340 laterally across longitudinally extending trench301, with first strut arm 335 extending and retracting substantiallyopposite second strut arm 340. Strut 325 ultimately extends and retractsfirst shoring plate 345 and second shoring plate 350 via first strut arm335 and second strut arm 340, respectively. This allows first shoringplate 345 and second shoring plate 350 to move between a shoringposition (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 12) where the shoring plates areproximate the walls of longitudinally extending trench 301 and aretracted position (shown in solid lines in FIG. 12) where first shoringplate 345 and second shoring plate 350 are proximate strut 325.

Strut housing 326 is attached to arm 320 at arm end 322 and isconfigured to support the elements of strut 325. Strut housing 326contains the mechanical elements of strut 325, such as first strut arm335, second strut arm 340, first strut extender 331, second strutextender 333, and other strut elements implicitly included for properoperation of these elements.

First strut extender 331 and second strut extender 333 define cylinderscontained within strut housing 326 attached to the housed end of firststrut arm 335 and the housed end of second strut arm 340, respectively.First strut extender 331 defines a hydraulic cylinder configured todrive and retract first strut arm 335 relative to first lateral trenchwall 302. Likewise, second strut extender 333 defines a hydrauliccylinder configured to drive and retract second strut arm 340 relativeto second lateral trench wall 303 opposite first strut extender 331.Both first strut extender 331 and second strut extender 333 are poweredhydraulically via a connection with hydraulic input 312.

First strut extender 331 and second strut extender 333 are additionallycapable of remaining extended when trench shoring apparatus 300 isdetached from construction equipment 305. This allows trench shoringapparatus 300 to continue to shore trenches when disconnected fromconstruction equipment 305 and construction equipment 305 is used forother purposes.

As FIG. 12 illustrates, first strut arm 335 extends from strut 325towards first lateral trench wall 302 while at least partially housedwithin strut housing 326. First strut arm 335 is configured to be drivenand retracted by first strut extender 331, thereby adjusting theposition of first shoring plate 345 relative first lateral trench wall302.

Similarly, second strut arm 340 extends from second strut extender 333towards second lateral trench wall 303 while at least partially housedwithin strut housing 326, extending substantially opposite first strutarm 335. Second strut arm 340 is configured to similarly manipulatesecond shoring plate 350. Although first strut arm 335 and second strutarm 340 are similar, they are configured to operate entirely independentof one another. Operating independently allows first strut arm 335 andsecond strut arm 340 to be extended to different positions withinlongitudinally extending trench 301.

First shoring plate 345 defines a substantially rectangular metal plateattached to first strut arm 335 opposite strut housing 326. Firstshoring plate 345 is configured to cover a selected surface area onfirst lateral trench wall 302 and is configured to move relative tofirst lateral trench wall 302 when first strut extender 331 drives andretracts first strut arm 335.

Similarly, second shoring plate 350 defines a substantially rectangularmetal plate attached to second strut arm 340 opposite strut housing 326.Second shoring plate 350 is configured to cover a selected surface area,on second lateral trench wall 303 and is configured to move relative tosecond lateral trench wall 303 and substantially opposite second shoringplate 350 when second strut extender 333 drives and retracts secondstrut arm 340.

First shoring plate 345 and second shoring plate 350 are both made of asteel-based material to provide rigidity when shoring first lateraltrench wall 302 and second lateral trench wall 303 while maintaining athin design. However, this disclosure contemplates shoring plates madeof any rigid material. Specifically, this disclosure contemplatesshoring plates made of aluminum or other metals lighter than steel.Using such lighter materials may make trench shoring apparatus 300easier to transport and may make trench shoring apparatus 300 easier toadapt to operating equipment unable to support heavy loads.

Turning to FIGS. 14-17, a fourth example of a trench shoring apparatus,trench shoring apparatus 400, will now be disclosed. Trench shoringapparatus 400 includes many similar or identical features to trenchshoring apparatus 300 combined in unique and distinct ways. Thus, forthe sake of brevity, each feature of trench shoring apparatus 400 willnot be redundantly explained. Rather, key distinctions between trenchshoring apparatus 400 and trench shoring apparatus 300 will be describedin detail and the reader should reference the discussion above forfeatures substantially similar between the two trench shoringapparatuses.

Specifically, trench shoring apparatus 400 includes a connector 410, anarm 420, a strut 425, a first shoring plate 445, and a second shoringplate 450, each substantially similar to the corresponding elements oftrench shoring apparatus 300 and connected in a similar manner. However,trench shoring apparatus 400 includes additional features that provideadditional functionality. Similar to trench shoring apparatus 300,trench shoring apparatus 400 is configured to shore a longitudinallyextending trench 401 formed in the ground and defined by a first lateraltrench wall 402 and a second lateral trench wall 403 opposite the firstlateral trench wall.

As FIGS. 14-17 illustrate, trench shoring apparatus 400 includes a firstplate extender 455 i, a second plate extender 455 ii, a first support465 i, a second support 465 ii, a third support 465 iii, a fourthsupport 465 iv, a first brace 490 i, a second brace 490 ii, a thirdbrace 490 iii, a fourth brace 490 iv, a first retaining bar 498 i, and afirst pin 488.

As illustrated in FIG. 17, first shoring plate 445 extends from aleading end 447 to a trailing end 449 opposite leading end 447.Likewise, second shoring plate 450 extends from a leading end 452 to atrailing end 454 opposite leading end 452.

Trench shoring apparatus 400 includes first plate extender 455 iattached to an interior face of first shoring plate 445 opposite thefirst lateral trench wall. First plate extender 455 i includes a firstretainer 456 i, a second retainer 457 i, a first panel 458 i, and asecond panel 458 ii. First plate extender 455 i is configured tolongitudinally extend first shoring plate 445 along the length of firstlateral trench wall 402 in both directions. Specifically, first plateextender 455 i is configured to movably support first panel 458 i andsecond panel 458 ii such that they can be moved to support a portion offirst lateral trench wall 402 beyond leading end 447 and trailing end449.

First retainer 456 i extends along the length of first shoring plate445. First retainer 456 i defines a first channel 461 i that openssubstantially opposite the ground. First retainer 456 i is illustratedon the bottom of first shoring plate 445, however this placement is notspecifically required.

Second retainer 457 i extends along the length of first shoring plate445. Second retainer 457 i defines a second channel 463 i that openssubstantially towards the ground. Second retainer 457 i is illustratedalong the top of first shoring plate 445, but this placement is notspecifically required.

First panel 458 i has a similar height and is approximately half thewidth of first shoring plate 445, positioned proximate leading end 447.First panel 458 i is slidingly engaged within first channel 461 i andsecond channel 463 i and is configured to partially extend beyondleading end 447 as shown in dotted lines in FIG. 15. First panel 458 ican also be placed in a stowed position where it does not extend beyondleading end 447 as shown in solid lines in FIG. 15. When first panel 458i is extended, trench shoring apparatus 400 is configured to shore anadditional area of first lateral trench wall 402.

Second panel 458 ii is substantially similar to first panel 458 i and isslidingly engaged within first channel 4611 i and second channel 463 iand is configured to partially extend beyond trailing end 449 of firstshoring plate 445.

First support 465 i is attached to first panel 458 i on an interior faceof first panel 458 i opposite first lateral trench wall 402. Firstsupport 465 i includes a first rail 467 i and a second rail 469 i.

First rail 467 i defines a projection extending from a first endproximate the top of first panel 458 i to a second end proximate thebottom of first panel 458 i. First rail 467 i defines a plurality ofopenings 466 i, the openings being spaced along the length of first rail467 i.

Second rail 469 i is substantially similar to first rail 467 i and ispositioned on first panel 458 i spaced from first rail 467 i towards thecenter of first shoring plate 445. Second rail 469 i includes aplurality of openings on rail 469 i (not pictured) substantially alignedwith plurality of openings 466 i. Plurality of openings 466 i and theplurality of openings on rail 469 i (not pictured) define sets ofopenings that each include a first selected opening from plurality ofopenings 466 i and a second selected opening from the plurality ofopenings on rail 469 i (not pictured) that is aligned with the firstselected opening.

Third support 465 iii is substantially similar to first support 465 iand is attached to first panel 458 i on an interior face opposite secondlateral trench wall 403, third support 465 iii substantially alignedwith first support 465 i. Third support 465 iii includes a first rail467 iii and a second rail 469 iii similar to first rail 467 i and secondrail 469 i. First rail 467 iii and second rail 469 iii define aplurality of openings 466 iii and a plurality of openings on second rail469 iii (not pictured), similar to plurality of openings 466 iii and theplurality of openings on second rail 469 iii (not pictured) of the firstsupport, respectively.

First support 465 i and third support 465 iii are configured toselectively couple with first brace 490 i and second brace 490 ii. Whencoupled, the supports support first brace 490 i and second brace 490 iibetween first panel 458 i and first panel 458 iii. First brace 490 i andsecond brace 490 ii independently and collectively laterally brace apartthe first panels.

Trench shoring apparatus 400 includes second plate extender 455 iiattached to an interior face of first shoring plate 445 opposite thefirst lateral trench wall. Second plate extender 455 ii includes a firstretainer 456 ii, a second retainer 457 ii, a first panel 458 iii, and asecond panel 458 iv, each similar to the corresponding sub-elements offirst plate extender 455 i. For example, first retainer 456 ii defines afirst channel 461 ii and second retainer 457 ii defines a second channel463 ii.

First panel 458 iii is substantially similar to first panel 458 i,positioned proximate leading end 452 of second shoring plate 450. Firstpanel 458 i is slidingly engaged within first channel 461 i and secondchannel 463 i and is configured to partially extend beyond trailing end449.

Second panel 458 iv is substantially similar to second panel 458 ii,positioned proximate trailing end 454 of second shoring plate 450.Similar to second panel 458 ii, second panel 458 iv is slidingly engagedwithin first channel 461 ii and second channel 463 ii and is configuredto partially extend beyond trailing end 454.

Trench shoring apparatus 400 additionally includes second support 465 iiand fourth support 465 iv, substantially similar to first support 465 iand second support 465 ii, respectively. Second support 465 ii andfourth support 465 iv are positioned on second panel 458 ii and secondpanel 458 iv, respectively. Second support 465 ii is substantiallyopposite first support 465 i and fourth support 465 iv is substantiallyopposite third support 465 iii. Second support 465 ii and fourth support465 iv are configured to collectively retain third brace 490 iii andfourth brace 490 iv between second panel 458 ii and second panel 458 iv.Third brace 490 iii and fourth brace 490 iv laterally brace apart secondpanel 458 ii and second panel 458 iv as the panels shore first lateraltrench wall 402 and second lateral trench wall 403, respectively.

First brace 490 i extends laterally across longitudinally extendingtrench 401 from first support 465 i to third support 465 iii. Firstbrace 490 i defines a first bore 492 i on a first brace end 494 i andsecond bore 495 i on a second brace end 496 i opposite first brace end494 i. First brace 490 i additionally includes a center bore 491 ipositioned between first brace end 494 i and second brace end 496 i.

First brace 490 i extends across longitudinally extending trench 401such that first bore 492 i is substantially aligned with a selected setof openings from first brace 490 i. Likewise, second bore 495 i issubstantially aligned with a selected set of openings from third support465 iii. When so extended, first brace 490 i provides additional shoringsupport to first shoring plate 445 and second shoring plate 450.

First bore 492 i and second bore 495 i may be aligned with variousselected sets of openings on first support 465 i and third support 465iii to increase and decrease first brace 490 i's lateral bracingdistance between the panels. Specifically, first brace 490 i may extendat different effective lateral bracing distances based on the verticalposition of the selected sets of openings. For example, when first brace490 i extends between a set of openings on first support 465 i and thirdsupport 465 iii that are substantially vertically aligned, first brace490 i will have a greater effective bracing distance than when firstbrace 490 i extends between vertically misaligned sets of openings.

Second brace 490 ii extends across longitudinally extending trench 401from first support 465 i to third support 465 iii. Second brace 490 iidefines a first bore 492 ii on a first brace end 494 ii and second bore495 ii on a second brace end 496 ii opposite first brace end 494 ii.Second brace 490 ii additionally includes a center bore (not pictured)positioned between first brace end 494 ii and second brace end 496 ii.Second brace 490 ii extends across longitudinally extending trench 401such that first bore 492 ii is substantially aligned with a selected setof openings from first support 465 i. Likewise, second bore 495 ii issubstantially aligned with a selected set of openings from third support465 iii. Second brace 490 ii extends between first support 465 i andthird support 465 iii at a different angle than first brace 490 i. Whenso extended, second brace 490 ii provides additional shoring support tofirst shoring plate 445 and second shoring plate 450.

Third brace 490 iii and fourth brace 490 iv are substantially similar tofirst brace 490 i and second brace 490 ii, and extend acrosslongitudinally extending trench 401 from second support 465 ii to fourthsupport 465 iv in a similar manner to first brace 490 i and second brace490 ii.

As FIG. 14 illustrates, first retaining bar 498 i is detachably routedthrough the selected set openings of first support 465 i and first bore492 i of first brace 490 i. When first retaining bar 498 i is soengaged, it serves to retain first brace end 494 i in a fixed positionwithin first support 465 i. Similar retaining bars are implemented ateach support end to retain each support end in a fixed position withinsupport receivers. When the braces are fixed in place in the supports,they provide additional support to the shoring plates beyond thatprovided by the strut.

As FIG. 14 additionally illustrates, first pin 488 is detachably routedthrough center bore 491 i of first brace 490 i and the center bore ofsecond brace 490 ii. First pin 488 has a greater diameter than centerbore 491 i and the center bore of second brace 490 ii at the points itextends beyond the supports, substantially retaining first brace 490 iand second brace 490 ii proximate one another while allowing them torotate around an axis defined by first pin 488's center. First pin 488provides additional structural support to first brace 490 i and secondbrace 490 ii, thereby allowing them to provide additional shoringsupport. A similar second pin connects third brace 490 iii and fourthbrace 490 iv.

Although braces according to this disclosure are illustrated withuniform widths along their length, this disclosure specificallycontemplates braces with an increased width proximate their first endand second end that is sufficient to span the entire width of thecorresponding support.

The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct inventions withindependent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosedin a particular form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustratedabove are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerousvariations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includesall novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of thevarious elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed aboveand inherent to those skilled in the art pertaining to such inventions.Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “afirst” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claimsshould be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neitherrequiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed tocombinations and subcombinations of the disclosed inventions that arebelieved to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in othercombinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/orproperties may be claimed through amendment of those claims orpresentation of new claims in the present application or in a relatedapplication. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed tothe same invention or a different invention and whether they aredifferent, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims,are to be considered within the subject matter of the inventionsdescribed herein.

1. A trench shoring apparatus configured to detachably connect to acoupler of a piece of construction equipment, the trench shoringapparatus being used to shore longitudinally extending trenches formedin the ground and defined by a first lateral trench wall and a secondlateral trench wall opposite the first lateral trench wall, the trenchshoring apparatus comprising: a connector configured to detachablyconnect to the coupler of the piece of construction equipment; an armconnected to the connector and extending to a first end substantiallytoward the ground; a strut attached to the first end of the arm, thestrut including: a strut housing; a first strut arm movably supported atleast partially within the strut housing proximate the first lateraltrench wall; a second strut arm movably supported at least partiallywithin the strut housing proximate the second lateral trench wall; and astrut extender configured to selectively extend and retract one or bothof the first strut arm and the second strut arm laterally across thelongitudinally extending trench; a first shoring plate connected to thefirst strut arm proximate the first lateral trench wall; and a secondshoring plate connected to the second strut arm proximate the secondlateral trench wall.
 2. The trench shoring apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a plate extender attached to the first shoring plate, theplate extender including a panel configured to extend beyond a leadingend of the first shoring plate.
 3. The trench shoring apparatus of claim2, wherein: the first shoring plate defines a first plate interior faceopposite the first lateral trench wall; and the plate extender includesa retainer connected to the first plate interior face supporting thepanel, the panel configured to move along the length of the channel. 4.The trench shoring apparatus of claim 3, wherein: the retainer defines achannel that extends along the length of the retainer and openssubstantially opposite the ground; and the panel is slidingly engagedwithin the channel.
 5. The trench shoring apparatus of claim 4, wherein:the retainer defines a first retainer; the plate extender comprises asecond retainer defining a channel that extends across the length of thesecond retainer and opens substantially towards the ground; and thepanel is slidingly engaged within the channel of the second retainer. 6.The trench shoring apparatus of claim 2, further comprising: a supportattached to an interior face of the panel, the first support includingspaced and vertically extending rails defining sets of aligned railopenings at a plurality of vertical positions; and a brace defining abrace end and a bore proximate the brace end, the brace extendingtowards the second lateral trench wall with the bore aligned with aselected set of aligned rail openings at a selected vertical position.7. The trench shoring apparatus of claim 6, further comprising aretaining bar extending through the bore aligned with the selected setof aligned rail openings.
 8. The trench shoring apparatus of claim 6,wherein: the plate extender defines a first plate extender; and thepanel defines a first panel; and the trench shoring apparatus furthercomprises a second plate extender attached to the second shoring plateand including a second panel configured to extend beyond a trailing endof the first shoring plate opposite the leading end.
 9. The trenchshoring apparatus of claim 8, wherein the support defines a firstsupport and further comprising: a second support attached to an interiorface of the panel, the first support including spaced and verticallyextending rails defining sets of aligned rail openings at a plurality ofvertical positions; wherein: the brace defines a second brace endopposite the first brace end and a second bore proximate the secondbrace end; and the second bore of the brace is aligned with a selectedset of aligned rail openings at a selected vertical position.
 10. Thetrench shoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first shoring plate isdetachably connected to the first strut arm.
 11. The trench shoringapparatus of claim 1, wherein the strut extender includes a hydrauliccylinder configured to extend and retract the first strut arm.
 12. Thetrench shoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first shoring plate isformed primarily from aluminum.
 13. A trench shoring apparatus used toshore longitudinally extending trenches formed in the ground and definedby a first lateral trench wall and a second lateral trench wall oppositethe first lateral trench wall, the trench shoring apparatus comprising:a strut configured to selectively extend and retract a strut armlaterally across the longitudinally extending trench; a shoring plateconnected to the strut arm proximate the first lateral trench wall, theshoring plate defining an interior face opposite the first lateraltrench wall; and a plate extender connected to the interior face of theshoring plate, the plate extender including: a retainer extendingsubstantially across the shoring plate, the retainer defining a channelopening substantially opposite the ground; and a panel slidinglysupported within the channel and configured to extend beyond a leadingend of the plate.
 14. The trench shoring apparatus of claim 13, wherein:the shoring plate defines a first shoring plate; the plate extenderdefines a first plate extender; the panel defines a first panel; and thestrut arm defines a first strut arm; the trench shoring apparatusfurther comprising: a second strut arm; a second shoring plate attachedto the second strut arm; and a second plate extender attached to thesecond shoring plate including a second panel configured to extendbeyond a trailing end of the first shoring plate opposite the leadingend.
 15. The trench shoring apparatus of claim 13, wherein: the retainerdefines a first retainer; and the channel defines a first channel; theplate extender further comprising a second retainer defining a secondchannel extending along the length of the retainer and openingsubstantially toward the ground; wherein the panel of the extender isconfigured to slidingly engage within the first channel and the secondchannel.
 16. The trench shoring apparatus of claim 13, wherein the panelis configured to be manually adjusted by sliding the panel within thechannel of the plate extender.
 17. A trench shoring apparatus configuredto shore longitudinally extending trenches formed in the ground anddefined by a first lateral trench wall and a second lateral trench wallopposite the first lateral trench wall, the trench shoring apparatuscomprising: a strut configured to selectively extend and retract a firststrut arm and a second strut arm laterally across the longitudinallyextending trench; a shoring plate connected to the first strut armproximate the first lateral trench wall; a plate extender attached tothe shoring plate and including a panel configured to extend beyond aleading end of the shoring plate, the panel defining an interior faceopposite the first lateral trench wall; a support attached to theinterior face of the panel, the first support including spaced andvertically extending rails defining sets of aligned rail openings at aplurality of vertical positions; a brace defining a brace end and a boreproximate the brace end, the brace extending towards the second lateraltrench wall with the bore aligned with a selected set of aligned railopenings at a selected vertical position; and a retaining bar extendingthrough the bore and the selected set of aligned rail openings.
 18. Thetrench shoring apparatus of claim 17, wherein: the support defines afirst support; the brace end defines a first brace end; the bore definesa first bore; the plate extender defines a first plate extender; thepanel defines a first panel; and the shoring plate defines a firstshoring plate; the trench shoring apparatus further comprising: a secondshoring plate connected to the second strut arm proximate the secondlateral trench wall; a second plate extender attached to the secondshoring plate and including a second panel configured to extend beyond aleading end of the second shoring plate, the second panel defining aninterior face opposite the second lateral trench wall; and a secondsupport attached to an interior face of the panel, the second supportincluding spaced and vertically extending rails defining sets of alignedrail openings at a plurality of vertical positions; and wherein: thebrace defines a second brace end opposite the first brace end anddefines a second bore proximate the second brace end; and the secondbore is aligned with a selected set of aligned openings of the secondsupport.
 19. The trench shoring apparatus of claim 18, wherein the bracedefines a first brace and includes a center bore between the first braceend and the second brace end; and the trench shoring apparatus furthercomprises: a second brace extending from the first support to the secondsupport, the second brace including a center bore substantially alignedwith the center bore of the first brace; and a pin routed through thecenter bore of the first brace and the center bore of the second brace,the pin configured to retain the first brace proximate the second brace.20. The trench shoring apparatus of claim 18, wherein the brace extendsdiagonally from the first support to the second support.